As per my introduction about a week or so back, I studied psychology at Queen's University, Belfast which was an illuminating experience both for academic studies and enjoying social events (normally more social than academic). During my second and third year, we undertook the studies of psychopharmacology which essentially is the study of drugs on the brain - performance, memory, emotional response and brain chemistry.
One of the most recent works I've read was James Davies tremendous account of "Why Psychiatry is doing more harm than good."
To Check Out the Book
The author who works within the field of psychotherapy takes the reader through an historical account of psychiatry including the process of lobotomies and electric convulsive therapy (ECT). What is apparent from history to present is that many emotional reactions, disturbances and responses to stress / grief / everyday circumstances are becoming over-categorised under the DSM. It must be noted that up until recent versions of the DSM - the likes of homosexuality and transgender were defined as mental illness. The DSM which is the essential handbook for therapists and medical professionals alike - has increased the conditions rather than streamlined thus providing further difficulties in clinicians ascertaining what is actually going on.
The plethora of conditions; never fully proven in the hard science of neurology or resolutely tested to highlight chemical imbalance has led to the pharmaceutical industry cashing in on potential cures or supplements to help with the everyday struggle of the millions of potentially misdiagnosed children and adults. Lax rules with regards the publishing of unsuccessful drug trials meant companies profited greatly from the worldwide sales of anti-depressants and anti-psychotics. Many of the unsuccessful trials and research testing have shown certain anti-depressants to be less responsive than basic sugar pills (placebo). Drugs are branded by colours/logos and popular marketing names to help push self-belief in the product.
Drug companies employ professors, research associates and clinical professionals to help aid marketing by using professional experience and knowledge of conditions to pass on the good word. Rewarded in unpublished expenses and salaries - the marketing branch of the drug company has extended into the educational and medical environments. Government departments both in the United States (FDA) and UK (NICE) are failing to act tough enough.
What was apparent is that the Western World is becoming over dependent on anti-depressants and anti-psychotics? Efficacy of these drugs is still debatable in comparison to talk therapies such as psychotherapy, grief counselling and also dealing with potential addictions. The effects of cultural collectivism in societies and the effect of religion/faith show better coping mechanisms when confronted with stress when there is better social networking, family life and outlets for stress. Good diet, exercise and maintaining strong relationships are equally important. I fully support that many people experience relief from anti-depressants but the long term effects of a generation whose emotions are muted and manipulated is not fully documented.
It's scary to think in several decades, we may find the full side effects of an over-medicated population. Will every slight negative to stress/rejection turn a doctor to recommending medication?
